Amex Platinum Airline Incidental Credit - Tips & Tricks

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Chapters
0:00 Open
0:34 Incidental Credit
2:06 Airline Options
2:47 Activation
3:21 What's Covered?
4:31 Why It's Divisive
6:04 My Use Case
7:15 Additional Collection Trick
9:23 Additional Loopholes
9:59 Final Thought
11:30 Bye
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this website are from companies from which RJ Financial will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

[@RJFinancial]

Thanks for tuning in! Need tips on other Amex credits? Checkout my hotel credit redemptions next - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqOtY6KbpqyCo9k

[@DreddDeJesus]

This is interesting. I've never heard of this and I'm glad I learned it here. Thanks RJ! :)

[@RJFinancial]

Always at your service sir. Hope it helps

[@rktter]

I really appreciate this information. FYI, I booked a flight for my wife and I a few days ago after selecting Delta for the Airline Incidental Credit benefit. We had Delta e-credits available, used those & remaining balance was $402. I paid the remaining with my PLAT and received the full $200 Delta AIC 3 days later! Love your videos RJ!

[@RJFinancial]

That's awesome, it seems the final collection may not need to be $200 after all. Appreciate the data points. Safe travels to you both my man

[@rktter]

@@RJFinancial Thank you Sir! Do you live in the D? I grew up in Lincoln Park.

[@RJFinancial]

@@rktter I work in Detroit at Quicken Loans. I live in Ypsilanti, that's maybe 15min from Ann Arbor.

[@jimmyjames6492]

Thanks for the tips and the video! Family member has Hilton Aspire and has been trying to figure out how to maximize the airline incidental. Thanks!

[@RJFinancial]

No problem. Last I checked this still works. I do believe at some point this loophole will get shut down too.

[@Leoprieto74]

RJ, thank you for saving me $100. I had a $100 balance of incidental travel credit that I wasn’t going to be able to use by December 31st and after watching your video on the United Travel Bank loophole I gave it a shot and today (Dec 1st) I received the Amex credit for the $100. I owe you a cold one 🍺!

[@RJFinancial]

Always at your service sir. Glad to see the workaround still works. Thanks for the data point too, sure you'll be helping others as well. I'll take you up on that sir, safe travels!

[@robertlopez9868]

Just did the same thing, did yours show up as united electronic ticketing on your account?

[@Leoprieto74]

@@robertlopez9868 sorry for my late response. I just saw your question. It showed as “United Airlines Houston TX”. And a got the Amex Airline Fee Reimbursement.

[@robertlopez9868]

@@Leoprieto74 don’t worry, I got the credit a few days after so it worked for me👍

[@Leoprieto74]

@@robertlopez9868 Great!! 🍻

[@JohnnyK60]

Alaska Airlines does indeed have a phone fee ($25) which is sometimes unavoidable booking partner awards. I've gotten my $200 back with Jet Blue tickets, upgrade purchases (EMS seats) and bag fees.

[@RJFinancial]

Interesting, did not know that. Eventually I'll need the Alaska air card to hit Alaska and cross the state off the list. All great options, this credit does cover a lot. I think it's mostly those who get the Platinum but don't travel often that get upset about the redemption restrictions

[@claudiasanders8716]

Thank you very much for the info! Would love the full value. I hate the loopholes!

[@RJFinancial]

Always at your service. The loopholes are killing these cards. I get why the vendors do this but it's such a hassle. Granted the larger demographic probably doesn't care.

[@NCKyle1980]

That is really awesome. I've seen someone else video about this after seeing someone else get use of theirs & I couldn't figure out what did it. I wasn't sure if that "change fee" but excludes cost of ticket so I was like what if you buy a ticket for 10 weeks out then change it to a month away (which on Delta automatically costs more) would it (the increased cost of the ticket) trigger the credit as a change fee? I mean truth is I don't have either card so it doesn't impact me but yea it was one of those "I wonder..." I'm really glad you got full value from using this credit tho, sir. I hope your trip goes well next week! Look forward to the video as always. The original video was Sebby's video. Some trip he did and it triggered. I'm like how? lol but I didn't try to comment as a question nor did I read every comment. Take care, sir. Have a wonderful weekend! See ya Sunday wrap up. haha

[@RJFinancial]

I've seen it cover a change fee before. This was in pre pandemic times as well. Ha, Sebby is the OG. Sometimes I think he glosses over things as to not draw a ton of attention to loopholes like this. Eventually this will get blocked in my opinion. Thank you sir, looking forward to it. If there's time I'll try to hit the Centurion lounge as well.

[@cjhan47]

I have definitely used this credit to go from economy to first class on American Airlines and also on upgrades for award tickets. Understand for me this was on the Hilton Aspire and not the Platinum or gold card.

[@RJFinancial]

Still good info as the Aspire credit is the same. For some reason, nobody complains about the Aspire one. Possibly because it's such a good card as is.

[@ascubapro]

Thanks for another great video. Hope your Thanksgiving was awesome. So I did use the credit off my business platinum card earlier this years for bags but had 27.00 left.A few months ago I did a day pass at the Alaska Lounge and it did not give me the remaining credit. So maybe I will call them up and see what's up with that.

[@RJFinancial]

Appreciate it sir, same to you and your fam. I would agree, it's worth a call or even chat. Amex chat has been helpful in the past. I wonder if Amex thinks it was an Alaska Airlines charge and not the same airline as the original chargers went to.

[@los_]

Good info, thank you!

[@byronjeffery2576]

Good vid. I always wondered if they were other ways too use that credit. There should not be loopholes and Amex should allow it to be used as one pleases. Its only two hundred anyway!

[@RJFinancial]

I think it's the airlines. I'm not sure why Amex would care which airline you used the $200 on unless that cost gets passed onto them. Probably some level of cost share agreement based on getting customers from the platinum card relationship. Making the $200 on the incidental purchases and locking in an airline means it will take us longer than one flight to use it most likely.... making us into repeat customers or even getting us use to whatever incidentals we've been purchasing with the credit. With Amex it's all one big annoying game...

[@ravensjewel-3886]

I like it. I tend to use it naturally though so it’s not an issue for me. I travel a lot for work and although I don’t eat or drink on the plane I may pay for a better seat or something. It tends to work out for me without much effort.

[@RJFinancial]

That's perfect, this credit gets crushed a lot (sometimes unfairly) As with your use case, if you travel frequently you'll run into plenty of situations where this can be used naturally. Work is the best, then you can get the credit and hit the ole expense report in the same go

[@ravensjewel-3886]

@@RJFinancial yes! Work travel is highly beneficial!

[@LeeValentin]

Just stopped by to thank RJ and say this still works with AMEX bidness Platinum in 2022

[@RJFinancial]

Hey, that's awesome! I'm thinking about switching to biz platinum myself simply to hit another bonus this year

[@LeeValentin]

@@RJFinancial The upgrade from Gold offer of 140k MR was too good to pass up. Used the Clear/TSA/Airline credits already to justify annual fee. These videos and information are invaluable 💪🏾

[@leftovers2go198]

I love Tips and Tricks and Hacks. I live in Hawaii and Southwest with one way ticket to the Neighbor Island for $50. I wonder if that will trigger that. Thanks for the info tho.

[@kevdreadful]

Definitely, definitely, definitely gets triggered on JetBlue tickets that are right around 200 or below. I’ve done it NUMEROUS times. I actually started doing it when the Gold card had the 100 dollar travel credit. Another hack is to just buy any ticket, wait a few weeks and cancel it so that it becomes MONEY in your travel bank! Absolutely works!✅ ✊🏿

[@RJFinancial]

That's a good call. Getting the credit in the airline account avoids the actual refund that triggers rewards abuse to get upset. Appreciate the tip sir

[@KevinJohnsonX]

Good tips. I'd like to see a similar video on best use of Citi Thank You with having only no annual fee cards (custom & double cash cards).

[@RJFinancial]

I can look into it. Citi is weird, from an outsider perspective the cards say you can redeem for gift cards. The fine print under the signup bonus on the ads. I thought they allowed for cash back as well?

[@lewis20002000]

Once you charge to the airline you pick, you have to stick with that airline, thus you can change the airline choice it up before your first charge to any airline choice. The United travel bank doesn't work anymore, it stop just when I was really to use it. Overall, great information, I am taking notes.

[@RJFinancial]

I'm guessing it's an agreement Amex has worked out with the airlines to foot some of the bill for driving customers their way. Not sure why else declaring an airline would matter to Amex.

[@TerrySteiner]

United Travel Back worked for me. I used up my credits on Travel Bank in 2020, '21 and '22. It's basically a gift card. I bought in $50 increments.

[@RJFinancial]

That's good to hear. There was a week or two where travel bank was acting up for folks. It's one of the last loopholes left and we need it!

[@zjd5352]

I have had 50% success using the Platinum, Aspire, and Golf AX incidental credits on Delta with the methods explained on this video, however, there is one transaction that has constantly triggered the credit, that is award tickets taxes and fees, which are significant on international trips, and taxes and fees on domestic tickets using the gift card method, would be interesting if airline fuel surcharges also trigger the credit, I am assuming most Platinum card holders won’t have a problem using the credit as they/we travel domestic and/or international regularly.

[@RJFinancial]

I know a few months ago the United Travel Bank hack was under attack. I think it's back to working again. Good call on the taxes and fees. I think the average platinum cardholder uses the card as intended and either forgets to opt into the credit or only uses the platinum and triggers it without even realizing it

[@kevjak357]

Got a trip coming up to Boston with the Mrs. Gonna try the Gift card as the tickets will be more than $100. Hopefully it'll work.

[@RJFinancial]

Good luck and let us know how it goes. Safe travels sir

[@greenfash6328]

The card does cover upgrade, on the day I check in on American Airlines and if they have a extra first class seat available, they ask if I would like to purchase the first class upgrade for $100. American Express does reimburse me it back all the time.

[@RJFinancial]

Good to know that will work, thanks for sharing. I'd say that type of redemption is worth it, especially for a flight more than a few hours long

[@mberlinger3]

You're a legend!

[@newsnowadirondacksredux360]

I use mine for United Club Passes that I use at Dulles.

[@RJFinancial]

Solid option. I've never been to a United Club. I still say Chase needs to add this to the CSR. It's a perk of the JP Morgan Reserve, tho the card does cost a bit more.

[@rodolfo7765]

It’s didn’t work for me. I purchased 2 one way tickets that totaled $230, used $100 delta gift card and was charged two 2 transaction. One for the tickets and one for taxes and fees. The only thing that was reimbursed was the tax and fees which was $29 and I still have to pay the $130.

[@c50grand2]

RJ, I have both of those cards. I'll try the Platinum this evening.

[@RJFinancial]

Awesome, Where are you headed on your travels?

[@c50grand2]

@@RJFinancial Tampa or Las Vegas

[@RJFinancial]

@@c50grand2 I hear Vegas has some decent uses for the FHR Platinum credit

[@c50grand2]

@@RJFinancial I still need to used my FHR Platinum credit, as well.

[@RJFinancial]

@@c50grand2 I made a few vids about this recently. You can stack that credit with the limited time Amex travel credit if you haven't used it already. That credit has been extended until 6/2022. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqOtY6KbpqyCo9k

[@Anthonyjones-pq4ff]

Hey RJ what you think about the Hilton Honors American Express card for everyday value go alone with the plum card & Blue cash as a tri

[@RJFinancial]

I'm gonna assume you need the Plum for legit business expenses. If so, It's an underrated card for those who need a mini warehouse line. Blue cash is solid and Hilton honors isn't a bad entry level card. Either one could be your everyday use card, depending on what your goal is. If you want more Hilton points or optionality you could go blue business and earn MR points. Basically the same card but one is cash back the other is MR points.

[@solidstream13]

I have such a difficult time using this credit because I fly many different airlines. It really sucks that you have to pre select a single airline and the list of airlines is very small.

[@RJFinancial]

The silliness Amex and their partners make us go thru. It wouldn't be bad if it worked on tickets but all the other little things don't add a ton of value

[@DuncanIII1973]

Thank you for the great explanation. If Delta is my selected airline for my Amex Business Platinum card, but I have an upcoming flight on southwest, will the early bird check in fee trigger the airline fee credit?

[@RJFinancial]

Not automatically since Delta is selected. I believe the Amex would only be looking for Delta charges to trigger the credit at that point. I've heard that you can talk to Amex and make an airline change mid year. Not sure the full rules around that and if you could switch it again after the SW flight. Safe travels

[@Jason_The_Man]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@noeapantoja]

Not sure if the Travel Bank is still working but I triggered the credit on both my Platinum and Gold card for 2 years.

[@RJFinancial]

Thanks for the data points. I believe it's still working for now. Honestly, I'm still surprised Amex and the airlines haven't killed all of these. I'm guess the lift to patch these last few loopholes isn't worth the efforts... tho It's never stopped Amex and the RAT team

[@maritestaylor8458]

Awesome 😎.

[@RJFinancial]

Appreciate you and have a good weekend

[@pg6299]

Has anyone done it with Jet Blue? I have 180 left and I wonder if I’ll trigger the credit if I buy a 170 flight ✈️

[@RJFinancial]

Can't say that I have. Can check flyer talk forums as well, they may have data points.

[@kenmillionx]

Cool video 👍👌👌

[@RJFinancial]

Appreciate it my guy

[@shouse5373]

RJ, can this credit be used for someone else for checked bags not flying with me like a family member or friend.

[@RJFinancial]

It can be. The charge has to hit the Platinum card, Amex doesn't know who swiped it so you are free to share

[@iankohen1876]

So I have a flight for $195 so I should get a $50 delta gift card and pay the rest with my platinum ?

[@RJFinancial]

Yes, that should do the trick. $50 is the lowest denomination I've found Delta GC's for. If you have a 5x card to buy the GC with then even better.

[@rodolfoteran7835]

A little off topic here. If I transfer Amex points to Delta for example to cover the cost of an airline ticket am I still responsible to pay taxes and fees with cash? Or will the points cover both airfare and taxes and fees?

[@RJFinancial]

For Delta it gives you the total miles + a dollar amount for taxes and fees. I forget why they break it out like this. Those taxes would likely trigger the credit

[@rodolfoteran7835]

Thank!

[@henrysmile5029]

good info

[@RJFinancial]

Gotta get all the wins you can out of the platinum these days

[@Stonks93]

I bought 2 southwest tickets for under $100 each ticket and it triggered the credit.

[@qahtanalqaysi5116]

I did the same with Spirit which bought 2 tickets under $100 and still waiting for the credit to show up 😂 but now I have to use my priority pass as Delta eats all Atlanta airports 😂

[@RJFinancial]

Nice, that's even easier to not have to deal with the GC strategy. Safe travels!

[@Indian-American]

Thanks for the valuable video. Did anyone recently tried this? Is it still working?

[@RJFinancial]

I haven't heard of this loophole being closed yet. Last I did it was about a year ago and it worked.

[@MissXi_Jinping]

Is it still good now in 2023?

[@RJFinancial]

I've seen mixed comments but haven't seen any of the major outlets say this doesn't work any more

[@kishansarvaiya5979]

I am trying to book two delta flights under 100$ would this work?

[@RJFinancial]

I've never tested it but there have been a few comments that said they've done the under $100 trick I believe. Good thing is you have to book anyways and the Platinum will give 5x back so it's probably the best option either way.

[@kishansarvaiya5979]

I dont think it worked, just checked no credits

[@tonyfernandez8380]

Does this still work in 2022?

[@RJFinancial]

As far as I know it still does

[@RUSH4Ev3R12]

Does this work for Alaska airlines?

[@RJFinancial]

You can select Alaska as your airline. I haven't seen data points to confirm this would work tho. Doesn't mean it won't, but I can't verify it.

[@RUSH4Ev3R12]

@@RJFinancial I’ll be the test dummy lol, thanks for the quick response!

[@alyssazitnik2544]

I want the tickets

[@RJFinancial]

Agreed. This silliness is one of the reasons why I don't carry many Amex cards these days

[@Mackcard24]

🆙👆Thanks to everyone on here who posted this vendor thanks for being legit bet 💯

[@VincentPascual]

People don’t make as a big deal out of the airline credit on the Hilton Aspire as they would on the Amex Platinum. That might be because the Hilton Aspire has plenty of other easier to use credits that far outweigh its annual fee. I saw this Amex commercial talk about how the airline credit can be valuable: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnm9ZqyBncqNidk

[@RJFinancial]

Man, that was a throw back. The plastic version and an iPhone 4 I think.... Good call, I never hear anyone complain about the Aspire. I think this is an easier credit to use than one would think. A lot of us have other cards that cover these things like checked backs. You also get folks who aren't heavy travelers getting this card then wanting to cash it out. I see both sides as I'd rather use it for tickets but I did use part of it organically too.

[@brucelaw8574]

1

[@RJFinancial]

Spirit award to you sir!